John Tolkin
23-Year-Old
Holstein Kiel
Germany Bundesliga 2
GTD
Injury Knee
Est. Return 6/12/2026
2025 Fantasy Outlook
Although he lines up at left-back, Tolkin is one of the better creative options in MLS, ranking ninth in the league with 171 crosses and just outside the top 20 with 56 chances created. That type of attacking upside makes him one of the best defenders in the league for fantasy purposes, as he has a high floor due to his role on set pieces for the Red Bulls. The one area where Tolkin lacked in 2024 was in his goal involvements, as his total contributions declined to four from 12 in 2023 despite playing two more matches. If his goal involvements return to a higher level in 2025, Tolkin should be one of the highest scoring defenders in the league for fantasy managers.
Dealing with knee ligament injury
Tolkin (knee) suffered an inner ligament injury during the clash against Fortuna Dusseldorf and will be unavailable for several weeks while undergoing conservative treatment, according to Holstein Kiel.
ANALYSIS
Tolkin picked up the ligament damage in mid-April and the recovery timeline raises doubts over his availability for the World Cup this summer, with the tournament opening on June 11 leaving him a tight window to prove his fitness. The American left-back is unlikely to have been in contention for a starting role regardless, but his potential absence from the squad would reduce the USMNT's depth options at full-back heading into a home World Cup. The club will continue to monitor his progress over the coming weeks before any clearer picture emerges on his tournament availability.
Tolkin picked up the ligament damage in mid-April and the recovery timeline raises doubts over his availability for the World Cup this summer, with the tournament opening on June 11 leaving him a tight window to prove his fitness. The American left-back is unlikely to have been in contention for a starting role regardless, but his potential absence from the squad would reduce the USMNT's depth options at full-back heading into a home World Cup. The club will continue to monitor his progress over the coming weeks before any clearer picture emerges on his tournament availability.
Soccer Season Stats
Season Stats
Per 90
Per Game
Soccer Season Stats
Loading Per Game Stats...
2025 Soccer Game Log
Current Season
Previous Season
2025 Soccer Game Log
Loading Game Log...
Set Pieces / Depth Chart
Holstein Kiel 2025 Set Piece Crosses and ShotsThere is no set piece data available for this player.
# of Team
Loading Weekly Set Pieces...
More Fantasy News
Fit to start
Tolkin (concussion) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Augsburg.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Available after concussion
Tolkin completed the concussion protocols and is back available for Sunday's clash against Augsburg, coach Marcel Rapp said in the press conference.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Forced off after collision
Tolkin (concussion) was forced off in the 41st minute of Saturday's 4-3 victory against Gladbach after a head collision but is expected to be dealing with only a minor issue, according to coach Marcel Rapp. "It didn't look as serious as David's injury last week. He's doing well. He's currently undergoing treatment for a concussion, but it's not too noticeable. We can assume he'll be fit to play next week."
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Eight cross performance
Tolkin recorded one shot (zero on goal), eight crosses (two accurate) and seven corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus RB Leipzig.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Substituted off on Saturday
Tolkin generated six crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Mainz.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Latest Fantasy Rumors
Red Bulls expecting offers
Tolkin could leave the NY Red Bulls if the right offer comes along, according to MLSSoccer.com.
ANALYSIS
Tolkin was one of the best, most consistent performers for the Red Bulls in 2022, and he featured both as a left-back and a left wing-back. He's quite young but experienced for his age, and given how European clubs are noticing American players more and more of late, the Red Bulls are expecting offers to come for their 20-year-old defender.
Tolkin was one of the best, most consistent performers for the Red Bulls in 2022, and he featured both as a left-back and a left wing-back. He's quite young but experienced for his age, and given how European clubs are noticing American players more and more of late, the Red Bulls are expecting offers to come for their 20-year-old defender.